Liu Wen
Photo: BFA NYC
The Met’s China Through the Looking Glass show may be its biggest and most discussed exhibit to date, but for supermodel Liu Wen it isn’t the grandeur that makes the exhibit meaningful it’s the way it connects with her own memories of growing up in China. Stepping into the exhibit for the first time this morning Liu was struck by the way certain segments took her back to childhood “I loved the room with the calligraphy,” says Liu “when I was little my mom always wanted me to learn that. It’s an important part of Chinese culture and when you’re writing [calligraphy] you always feel very calm – stepping into that room gave me the same kind of feeling.”
Though she refrains from naming a favorite moment the morning’s remarks by exhibition artistic director, Wong Kar Wai served as a special treat. Citing Kar Wai as one of her favorite directors, Liu was all ears during his speech “ I like that he combined Chinese and English” says Liu “Sometimes when you speak Chinese and then it’s translated into English it is hard for people to fully understand what you mean. He spoke both to bring things together. I think he finds a way to combine art with fashion in all his films and the films he created for this [exhibition] are so beautiful.” With the 100th anniversary of the Met’s department of Asian art in full swing and tonight’s gala only hours away, Liu finds herself especially excited for the festivities. “This is a very special night for Chinese people, the exhibit, the anniversary — it’s not just about fashion it’s about art and our history.”
—Janelle Okwodu, Style.com
